Centerpoint to Goat Trail

Centerpoint to Goat Trail is a 6.5 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Ponca, AR that features a river and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.

6.5 miles1864 feetOut & Back

dogs on leash

backpacking

camping

canoeing

fishing

hiking

rock climbing

horseback riding

forest

river

views

rocky

The trail's destination is the Big Bluff overlooking the Buffalo River. It is considered the tallest along the Buffalo, over 500 ft. tall. The side trail that leads to an outcropping on the bluffis called the Goat Trail, about 350 ft. tall, It is not for kids, the weak or those afraid of heights.
The trail is virtually all down hill on the way to the Bluff and the side trail called the goat trail. Consequently plann extra time on the hike out as its all uphill. The goat trail segment takes you over a narrow out cropping on the bluff about 350 ft. tall. It is not for kids, the weak or those afraid of heights. A very scenic look over the Buffalo River valley. people have died falling of the goat trail
Their are several connector trails in the Buffalo River Valley. You could spend a week in the area. Very scenic.

The trail is well-traveled and, so, easy to find and follow. Coming back out is a good workout. It's all very much uphill. The views from Big Bluff are jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring.. you're going to need all of your best hyphenated words to describe this one!

I did a "choose-your-own-adventure" hike and went PAST the spur leading to the bluff, and on down to Granny Henderson's cabin, then on to Sneeds Creek and "Rocky Bottom." If you have the time (and the stamina - more elevation changes!) DO THIS. The cabin is just plain neat, and Sneed's Creek and the large, flat rock area (it's way better than I make it sound) are well worth the extra miles. You can piece together this hike from two described by Ernst in his Buffalo River book, or take a gander at the recording from me here. A basic idea of where you're going will get you there, though. Then head back the way you came, and check out the bluff on your way back.

THEN drive the 15 or so minutes further south to the Low Gap Cafe. The food is good, and the service is super-friendly.

My husband and I hiked in to the bluffs on the Centerpoint trail this morning. We are 58 and 62, and did just fine. It was cloudy, but the views were beautiful. We saw 2 bald eagles while there as well. Unfortunately it started to sprinkle as we headed out, and ended up raining the whole way back. It only took us a little over an hour to hike out. Of course with the rain, we didn't waste any time. It was great!

I did this trail as a side stop on my way down to the Buffalo, and Granny's Cabin. The side trip out to the bluff was well worth the extra mileage. The trail can be very crowded, especially on the weekend. Lots of people, and lots of horses. The trail is very rough in spots, and even going downhill you must watch every step. I have been wanting to visit this bluff for a long time now. Well worth the trip. Wonderful views of the Buffalo river from the top, and across the valley below. The trail would only be dangerous for someone who is goofing off and playing around. If you pay attention to what you are doing, and aren't afraid of heights, you would be fine. Uphill climb the entire way out...

Best views in Arkansas to me. I have done this one before and would do again next weekend. Downhill to the bluff, make sure to turn right when you get to the crossroad to the bluff. the signs aren't always visible. We opted to go straight all the way across the bluff, to the other side, and followed a trail down to the river below. Moderated climb out but worth the views of the creek from below. Coming out of the goat trail up the horse road is pretty tiring. Take your time and make it a challenge and just know the pics are so worth it.!